|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
3 Things You Must Avoid When You Give Feedback
Written by: Sylvia LafairArticle Overview: It’s always a sticky situation when you have to give or get negative feedback and this is just not a topic always covered in business school. It really is about understanding how to manage people relationship systems, a leadership core competency for the 21st Century. Read on for 3 guidelines for giving feedback so you can mentor employees to grow to the next level.
 |
Free Download - Entrepreneurs and the “Oh! No!” Trap By Sylvia Lafair |
3 Things You Must Avoid When You Give Feedback
For most of us giving and getting feedback is uncomfortable. We would rather lie on a bed of nails than have to give difficult or negative reports. In any case, we are rarely taught about the dangers and pitfalls inherent in these often tense and uncomfortable situations.
The main problem is that we were never taught to decipher the secrets of why we interact the way we do. This vital realm of relationships has been left to psychology professionals. Not good.
It is vital for managers and executives to learn about this, the core area of workplace success. Relationships have a whole set of invisible rules. You have to know the rules to play the game or you will find yourself running for a touchdown when the rules say you should be dunking the ball into the basket!
Here are 3 guidelines for giving feedback:
1.Watch your words. Specific words and sentences can set up an incendiary atmosphere and will stop the discussion in its tracks. Be careful about words like "never" and "always". They lead to an "I dare you" posturing and puts the responder on the defensive. Here is an example: "John you are never on time with your part of projects" will end up with a knee jerk rebuttal of the one or two times John was finished on time. You lose the momentum of what you want to get across and John is battle ready.
2.No voting. Be careful not to talk about anyone else who is upset with John. Even a generalized "Others feel the same way" will backfire. Then all John can think about is who they are and how fast he can get to tell them his version of what is going on. The idea that there has been talking behind John's back will stop him from hearing you and the rest of the meeting will be a waste of time.
3.Don't wobble. Come to the meeting with time lines and agreements already in your mind. Often John will give you empty promises and want to stretch the parameters to give him more time to "work on the issues". What is needed is clarity and gravity. You become the gravity for John with your clarity. If you become wishy-washy because you want to be seen as fair you lose the ability to help John change.
Managers are, in many respects like parents. Give enough room for each employee to grow to the next level. Be generous in your praise and strong in boundary setting. Think about it, you would not give a six year old the keys to the family car and wish him a fun afternoon. Help your employees by holding them accountable, each at their level of expertise and they will be coming to you for feedback time and time again.
Now You Can Have Super Motivated Staff with these 8 Proven Tips
Providing Positive Feedback Can Improve the Bottom Line
Help Me Keith: My Feedback Makes People Defensive!
4 Simple Step´s to Make Money On eBay
Using Freebies To Get Consumers Feedback
Article Tags: 21st century, 3 things, business school, core competency, giving feedback, how to manage people, leadership core, level 3, mentor, negative feedback, next level, relationship, sticky situation
|
About the Author: Sylvia Lafair RSS for Sylvia's articles - Visit Sylvia's website  Click here to visit Sylvia's website   Change Something What Does My Family Have to Do With My Work Leadership Lessons 20 How to Eliminate Destractions Is there a C in See |
Related Forum Posts
Re: How Important is Feedback in eBay?
- Feedback is VERY important to me when purchasing on eBay and similar sites. If they don't have several transactions and a 100% feedback (or close to it) then I most likely will not purchase from them.
Re: Have a Security Clearance Question? But are afraid to ask?
- I think I've already addressed your topic in another forum or thread, but I think the easiest way to generate additional traffic to your web site is to provide content that is fresh, new, and insightful. Give users a reason to access your web site besides purchasing your services. Give them a reason to gain knowledge and they will come back and give you business when they can. Good luck in your campaign, and I hope everything turns out for you! One question I have is do security clearances check your family information as well (family criminal offences, etc).
Re: Search Engine Friendly Web Development
- I would like to add some more things in search engine friendly web development.
1. PPC campaign
2. Viral marketing
3. Social Media Marketing
Avoid flash in website and other use CSS files to shows the content style.
Subject Line Etiquette
- For myself, it's not so much "etiquette" as common sense.
If you're emailing someone with a business offer or to strike up a relationship, you do not put "Hello" or "Hi" or something cryptic in the subject line.
You make it clear what your email is about - just as you would on a message board.
So instead of "wff" for example, the guy who emailed me a couple of days ago should have said, "Feedback on Your WFF Article" - so that I would have known what it was about without having to look at it and try to think...
Re: Seth Godin: Star Fish v Long Tail
- Thanks for sharing, David. I always enjoy the interest it brings me when I read these types of things. Things that make you think to consider other possibilities, no matter how obvious they may seem.
Cheers,
Emma
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: 
February 2012 Top 100 Leadership Experts to Follow on Twitter
Please Stop Calling it Coaching!
Measuring the Quality of Your Hires
The fine line 
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
The five pillars of internet marketing strategy
Why Marketing Outsourcing is Growing So Quickly
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.